Although workplace injuries can have various detrimental consequences, they can also provide an opportunity for developing methods of preventing them in the future.

Although workplace injuries can put employees out of work for extended periods of time, can increase an employer’s insurance costs and can have a number of other detrimental consequences, they can also provide an opportunity for employers and employees to examine:

• The causes of such workplace injuries
• Unsafe behaviors or practices that contributed to these injuries
• Methods of preventing such injuries from occurring in the future

The reality is that more than 90 percent of all workplace injuries are preventable and that, by taking the time to analyze such preventable injuries, both employees and employers can make policy or other changes that may be able to reduce or entirely prevent such injuries from happening in the future. The end result will be safer, more productive workplace.

Coming Together to Discuss Workplace Injuries

Whether in a formal seminar or a more informal weekly meeting, bringing management and other employees together to closely look at and discuss recently workplace injuries can not only yield ideas about preventing such injuries in the future, but it can also promote a culture of safety in the workplace. When convening to talk about recent workplace injuries, it’s important to:

• Keep the name of the employee(s) involved out of the discussion – While this will prevent the involved employee(s) from feeling like he (they) did something wrong and will avoid blame shifting, it will also keep the discussion focused on the main topics while underscoring the employer’s integrity.
• Detail the specifics of the incident that caused the injury, including information about where the injury occurred, as well as what happened before, during and after the injurious event
• In some cases, reenact part of or the entire event related to the accident, as a visual reenactment can be more compelling and leave a lasting impression on employees
• Turn the discussion over to employees by asking what could have been done to prevent such an accident or injury – Having an engaging discussion in which all employees are participating will not only generate new ideas but it will also give everyone involved a sense of ownership regarding the safety solutions generated from it.

If you have sustained a workplace injury and are considering (or in the process of) filing a workers compensation claim, it’s essential that you contact the Colorado workers compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.